A BILATERAL meeting took place Global Peace Ambassador Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Iceland’s Prime Minister H E Bjarni Benediktsson in Reykjavík on June 24. Both discussed the importance of mental health as the basis for individual and societal welfare. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was received by Iceland’s Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson in Reykjavík.

 

Their meeting focused on the current peace situation in Europe, the need to address mental health issues, and on the importance of putting individual wellbeing at the core for societal prosperity. Gurudev shared about the work of the Art of Living Foundation that uses time-tested meditation and breathing techniques to help individuals get rid of stress, tension and anxiety, and which facilitates overall physical and mental wellbeing. Gurudev also spoke about how the Art of Living is rehabilitating prisoners and gang members in Denmark with the ‘Breathe Smart’ program to reduce the cycle of violence and drug addiction among offenders, and which promotes inner peace and a sense of care for one another.

 

As part of the meeting, The Art of Living founder commended Prime Minister Benediktsson for Iceland’s contribution to combat climate change. Nearly 100% of Iceland’s electricity production comes from renewable sources. Gurudev Shri Shri Ravi Shankar visited Iceland following meetings and keynote speeches at events at the United Nations in Geneva, and prior to traveling further to public events in the United States.